lonetraider wrote:Hello, I'm very sorry if I make a fool of myself and ask a really simple question here. I'm just sick of looking on the internet, talking to people on the phone and not getting anywhere.
I have a girlfriend from the Philippians, we've been going out for a while now but only on Skype. I am trying to get a visit arranged for her, and she's adamant that she's going to pay for all this - she's refusing any financial help so this will delay us more.
Anyway, I know I have to get an invitation letter, but I have the following questions;
Do I write the letter myself, or do I apply for a letter of invitation?
What kind of evidence do I need to send along with this invitation to help the application and do I need to send original copies?
Do I send the letter of invitation to her, or to someone else?
Many thanks for any help, and I'm sorry if these questions are silly. We are both getting very frustrated with all of this and we are both new to this kind of thing.
It's a letter you write yourself and address to the Entry Clearance Officer, stating that you are inviting her, for how long, when approximately, etc.
If you do not sponsor her financially, you do not need to supply bank statements and salary slips (if you do finance her stay, then you need six months worth salary slips and corresponding bank statements.
If you will provide her with accommodation you will need to show that it's adequate. When I invited my parents-in-law, I supplied the following:
- Signed invitation letter
- certified copy of my passport
- certified copy of my tenancy agreement stating how many rooms my flat has and that my family and I are the sole occupants
- original recent letter from the electoral roll (proof of address, can also be council tax bill or similar)
- original no objection letter from my landlord stating that he is fine with my parents-in-law staying with us for the duration of their visit
If you own your home, you might want to provide the property deed.
The invitation letter can go something like this but of course needs to be adapted to individual circumstances:
To the Entry Clearance Officer, British Embassy,
Re: Application for visit visa: Name of applicant; DOB XXXXXX; nationality of applicant
I am writing to confirm that I wish to invite my father-in-law, XXXXXXXXXXX to visit me in XXXXXX for approximately four weeks in order to see his grandchildren over the Easter holidays. I hope that he will be able to travel at the end of March or beginning of April 2016.
I am working in XXX for XXX.
I am renting a spacious XX-bedroom flat and am able to accommodate him for the duration of his stay in the UK.
Please find attached evidence of my accommodation as well as a letter from my landlord stating that he has no objection to my father-in-law's stay with us.
I have enclosed the following documents:
• Attested copy of my passport
• Attested copies of my tenancy agreement
• Evidence of my registration on the electoral roll (proof of address)
• Letter from landlord
Should you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours faithfully,
XXXXXX
Please note that your girlfriend will need to show evidence of strong ties to the Philippines beyond just being able to afford her visit to the UK. Ties can be a job or studies to return to, close family members she takes care of, etc.
I am not a regulated immigration advisor. I am offering an opinion and not advice.
